On 14th January 2014, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) participated in the 3x3 EjoHeza Tournament, collaboratively organized by partner basketball team, The Hoops Rwanda.  

 

The contest held at Kimironko basketball court featured boys and girls across various age groups including under 13, under 15, and under 18.  

 

The primary objective of the competition was to foster EjoHeza program's promotion in youth basketball and provide a platform for participants to not only engage in spirited competition but also gain insights into the benefits of EjoHeza, Long Term Savings Scheme.  

 

RSSB's Chief Executive Officer, Regis Rugemanshuro, highlighted the nature of the partnership, emphasizing its sponsorship as a means to endorse a healthy lifestyle.  

 

He said: “The collaboration is aimed to promote physical activities that contribute to improved well-being for players, community cohesion, and serves as an advocacy platform for the EjoHeza scheme.”  

 

"It constitutes a voluntary, long-term savings scheme, and our aim is to inspire the youth to comprehend its significance and actively participate. Sports, proven as an effective platform, serves as a means to disseminate this crucial message. Through the camaraderie of individuals coming together, engaging in competition, and the community actively supporting them, we create an environment conducive to sharing the value of this savings initiative.”  

 

Every player who participated in this tournament opened an EjoHeza account and received 10,000Frw initial contributions by RSSB to be put in their new EjoHeza accounts as well as pocket money to buy school materials.  

 

Speaking about the tournament's success, Rugemanshuro said: "Absolutely. Consider this event as a pilot initiative. As conveyed in my address to the players and all participants, this is just the beginning. Our vision is to expand and enhance this initiative, welcoming more players and teams to join, creating a broader platform for engagement. The gratifying aspect today lies in witnessing the joy and satisfaction from the players. Winning isn't confined to the scoreboard; every participant gains by contributing to physical fitness and instilling values like teamwork, discipline, and competition.”  

 

“This event provided us with an opportunity to propagate the message of EjoHeza. It extends beyond promoting a healthy lifestyle; it encompasses the pursuit of quality education and the development of responsible and productive citizens. Instilling a sense of responsibility that involves planning for the future, this message resonates not only with the youth but also with the parents and guardians present. The success of today's event is just the beginning of a larger commitment. Anticipate hearing more about this tournament reaching every corner of the country in the coming month.”  

 

The competition saw St Peter Igihozo securing first place in the U18 boys category, ESB Kamonyi claiming victory in the U18 girls’ category, CBT emerging champions in U15 boys, and Swish Basketball excelling in U13 boys. Second place honours went to APR (U18 boys), St Peter  

 

Igihozo (U18 girls), Rafiki (U15 boys), and Rafiki (U13 boys). Third place was secured by Swish Basketball (U18 boys), APR (U18 girls), APR (U15 boys), and CBT (U13 boys).  

 

After the tournament, informative pamphlets were distributed post-games, providing insights for both kids and parents on joining Ejo Heza and initiating a path towards saving for retirement.  

 

EjoHeza is a voluntary, government-sponsored scheme managed by RSSB and available to all citizens of Rwanda. Anyone working in the formal or informal sector, either self-employed or working for someone else, can join the scheme, even a foreigner legally residing in Rwanda can join the scheme. To self-register and save in EjoHeza you just dial *506# and follow the prompts.  

 

Rwandans living abroad can also join the scheme through: https://ejoheza.gov.rw/ltss-registration-ui/ and pay via Visa or Master card.  

 

Other scheme benefits apart from the retirement benefits offered at 55 years are that members can use a percentage of their savings as collateral for bank loans and can withdraw part of their contributions for education and housing. Members also get high returns on investment of 12% tax exempted.